IEC TR 61131-8-2017 PDF

Full title and description

Industrial-process measurement and control - Programmable controllers - Part 8: Guidelines for the application and implementation of programming languages. IEC TR 61131-8:2017 provides guidance for applying the programming-language definitions of IEC 61131-3 to programmable controller systems, for implementing those languages in controllers and programming environments, and for recommendations on programming and debugging tools (PADT).

Abstract

This technical report (edition 3.0, 2017) updates earlier guidance and extends recommendations to cover newer language features introduced in IEC 61131-3:2013 (new data types, conversion functions, references, namespaces and object‑oriented features such as classes and function blocks). It is intended to help vendors, tool developers and users apply and implement IEC 61131‑3 languages consistently across programmable controller systems and their programming support environments.

General information

• Status: Published / Technical Report (active edition).
• Publication date: 22 November 2017.
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
• ICS / categories: 25.040.40 (Industrial process measurement and control); 35.240.50 (IT applications in industry).
• Edition / version: Edition 3.0 (2017).
• Number of pages: 102 pages.

Key bibliographic and status details above are taken from the IEC publication records and national standards catalogues.

Scope

IEC TR 61131-8:2017 applies to programming of programmable controller systems using the languages defined in IEC 61131‑3. It gives: (a) guidelines for the practical application of IEC 61131‑3 features in control projects; (b) guidance for implementers of IEC 61131‑3 language elements in controllers and programming support environments; and (c) recommendations for programming and debugging tools (PADT). It does not replace normative parts of IEC 61131‑3 but complements them with application and implementation guidance.

Key topics and requirements

• Guidance on applying IEC 61131‑3 language constructs in real automation projects.
• Implementation recommendations for language elements, runtime behavior and mapping to controller architectures.
• Programming and debugging tool (PADT) recommendations, including expected features and user interaction considerations.
• Guidance covering newer 61131‑3 features: additional data types, conversion functions, references, namespaces, and object‑oriented constructs (classes and function blocks).
• Interoperability and compatibility considerations between tools, PSEs and controller vendors.
• Examples and non‑normative recommendations to improve consistent implementation and developer ergonomics.

Typical use and users

Primary users are PLC and controller vendors, programming tool and IDE developers, system integrators, automation engineers and control‑software architects who need consistent, interoperable implementations of IEC 61131‑3 languages. Educators and researchers in industrial automation also use this TR for teaching and evaluation of implementation approaches.

Related standards

Closely related documents include IEC 61131‑3 (Programming languages for programmable controllers — normative language definitions) and IEC 61131‑4 (application aspects such as EMC and functional safety). This TR supersedes earlier editions of IEC TR 61131‑8 (for example the 2003 edition). It is part of the IEC 61131 series covering programmable controllers.

Keywords

programmable controllers, PLC, IEC 61131-3, programming languages, PADT, programming support environment, implementation guidance, object‑oriented function blocks, data types, automation engineering

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC TR 61131-8:2017 is a technical report providing guidelines for the application and implementation of the programming languages defined in IEC 61131‑3 for programmable controllers.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers practical application advice, implementation recommendations for language features, and programming and debugging tool recommendations (PADT). It highlights implementation issues related to newer 61131‑3 features introduced in the 2013 edition of that standard.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Controller vendors, IDE and tool developers, system integrators, automation engineers, and educators working with IEC 61131‑3 languages.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2017 edition (Edition 3.0) is the current IEC TR 61131‑8 as published on 22 November 2017 and it replaced the 2003 edition; its bibliographic record shows the 2017 edition as the active technical report.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 8 of the IEC 61131 series (programmable controllers). The series includes the normative language definition (IEC 61131‑3) and other parts addressing application, safety and related topics.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Programmable controllers, PLC, IEC 61131-3, programming languages, PADT, programming support environment, implementation guidance.